Public transportation vehicles such as buses offer convenience to millions of Americans each day. They take children to school, transport travelers to their destinations, and drive individuals to work.
Unfortunately, just like smaller passenger vehicles, buses can cause serious damage in an accident. When you’re hurt and unsure where to turn, The Texas Law Dog can help. We don’t just bark, we bite.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a collision involving a public transportation vessel, a knowledgeable bus accident lawyer in Grand Prairie could protect your interests and rights in court. With the help of a Grand Prairie personal injury lawyer, bus crash victims may be eligible to recover the financial compensation they need for their injuries under Texas law.
The Importance of Hiring a Grand Prairie Bus Accident Attorney
Victims of a bus accident often face a long road to recovering fair compensation for their losses. All of the burden of proof is on your shoulders, and that means you need a lawyer who can help you exercise your rights. Hiring a lawyer is crucial for several reasons.
- You have serious injuries and losses. If you have serious injuries that require hospitalization or other ongoing medical needs, having an attorney minimizes the risk that you will not receive fair compensation.
- There is a dispute about liability. In some situations, a victim of a bus accident could be accused of causing the incident, especially if they were hit by a bus outside of a crosswalk. You need a lawyer to protect your right to fair compensation.
- Your claim was denied. In situations where you suffered an injury, filed a claim, and were denied compensation, it is time to hire a lawyer to guide you. That is where our legal team can help you show that you deserve fair compensation.
By hiring a bus accident attorney in Grand Prairie, you learn who to hold accountable and what your claim may be worth. Bus accidents can be complicated because numerous parties may be involved. With a lawyer, you do not have to worry about missed opportunities that could help you recover.
The Statute of Limitations in Grand Prairie
Following an accident, injured claimants should be aware of the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations is the mandated deadline for filing a claim. In the State of Texas, injured claimants have two years from the date of injury to file their personal injury claim per Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003.
Filing a claim past the mandated deadline or waiting too long to hire a skilled Grand Prairie bus collision attorney could bar the injured claimant’s right to seek compensation for their injuries. Although the case could still be filed with the court after the statute of limitations expires, the defendant or their legal team may motion the judge to dismiss it based on the late filing.
Timing is also an important factor when it comes to evidence. The longer a plaintiff waits, the greater the chances that the evidence will disappear or be tainted. Review the FAQs provided by The Texas Law Dog today.
Grand Prairie Bus Accident Lawyer Near Me (817) 775-5364
Determining Liability for a Bus Accident
Public transportation collisions are inherently complex. They often involve many different factors and several liable parties. Part of the job of a public transit crash attorney in Grand Prairie is to determine which party may be at fault for causing the crash. Generally, in a bus accident, the common liable parties include:
- The bus driver
- Other drivers
- The parent bus company
- Manufacturers
- Government entities are responsible for road conditions and maintenance
If the jury determines that more than one party is liable for the plaintiff’s damages, they will each be assigned a percentage of fault. If a defendant is less than 50% liable, they are responsible only for their share of the plaintiff’s damages.
If a defendant is more than 50% liable, they can be held jointly and severally liable, as per Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code §33.003. It is best to speak to a diligent lawyer in Grand Prairie to learn about how liability could affect the injured claimant’s compensation award in a common carrier wreck case.
What to Do After a Bus Accident Happens
What you do after a bus accident may play a role in your ability to recover damages after such an incident. A Grand Prairie bus accident lawyer is always a call away, and you do not need to wait to reach out for help. However, in the ideal situation, you will be able to take these steps to protect your future:
- Call 911 and move to a safe location if possible. Follow the dispatcher’s guidelines on minimizing further injury.
- Take photos of the incident if it is safe to do so. That includes the location, the damage to the vehicle, your injuries, and any debris in the area. Capture a video that shows the location of the accident, the road conditions, and the time of day.
- Request contact information from all the parties around you. That could include witnesses who saw what occurred or were involved. Be sure to get the contact information for the bus driver and the license plate information from the bus.
- Seek medical care. As soon as possible, head to the emergency room for a thorough checkup. This ensures you receive immediate help for your injuries, thereby minimizing the potential for further complications. This also serves as a way to document your injuries.
- File a police report. If you did not do so at the time of the accident, complete a police report for the incident right away. In many situations, you will also need to notify the city of the incident.
In most situations of serious injuries, it is time to turn to a Grand Prairie bus accident attorney. Our legal team is ready to provide you with immediate legal guidance, and we can offer support as you notify those at fault and file an insurance claim. Do not wait to contact our lawyers for the legal guidance you need. You can learn more about bus accidents in our videos.
Document Your Injuries and Losses for Your Claim
With the help of your lawyer, you will be able to file a claim that includes any losses you have from the bus accident, with the evidence available to back them up. The type of losses you incur is dependent on the severity of the accident and any complications, which is why keeping a log and documenting any injuries you sustain can prove valuable.
Some of the most common components of accident claims we work with are as follows:
- Medical expenses: Losses such as emergency medical care, hospitalization, medications, medical supplies, and rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages: Compensation for losses related to missed time at work due to your injuries
- Pain and suffering: Both from the incident itself, as well as throughout the recovery process
- Loss of quality of life: For victims with ongoing injuries, the loss of physical ability, relationships, or mental health
- Emotional trauma: The onset of post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety
- Loss of earning capacity: Victims who suffer ongoing injury and limitations may not be able to do the same job and may need job retraining
These examples are some of the losses you may qualify for; however, they may not encompass all possible losses. Until your bus accident lawyer in Grand Prairie can review your case comprehensively, you may find it challenging to know what all of your losses are. We can initiate this process during a complimentary, no-obligation consultation.
Wrongful Death Claims
Our team also works with the families of those who have lost their lives as a result of bus accidents. Our wrongful death lawyers work with victims to build strong wrongful death claims that clearly outline who is at fault and document all of the implications of this death.
Do not settle these cases without first speaking to an experienced Grand Prairie wrongful death lawyer. We will make sure the at-fault party pays for losses like funeral expenses, burial costs, and loss of consortium.
Speak to a Grand Prairie Bus Accident Attorney Today
The consequences of a common carrier crash can be devastating. You may be unable to return to work for quite some time, need extensive medical care or rehabilitation, and may suffer immense pain.
A Grand Prairie bus accident lawyer could help you seek monetary compensation for all of your damages. Let a skilled lawyer handle your case while you focus on your recovery. Call The Texas Law Dog today to get your case started with a team that has recovered millions of dollars for past clients.
